Phone SIM and internet: how do you choose a plan?

Canada has three big carriers with cheaper brands on the same networks. Start without a contract, compare the price after the promotion, and do not sign a long contract before you know your needs.

1. Know the names: the big ones are Bell, Rogers and Telus. Their mid-priced brands are Virgin Plus, Fido and Koodo; the cheapest are Lucky Mobile, Chatr and Public Mobile. Freedom Mobile and Fizz serve certain areas. Examples, not recommendations.
2. Start with a prepaid or month-to-month line with no contract, and bring your own phone. You can then switch any time until you know how much data you use.
3. Compare at least three offers on the carriers’ own sites: monthly price, data, and whether calls cover all of Canada. Ask: what is the price after the promotion ends?
4. Be careful with a “free” phone on a two-year contract: the device cost is spread inside the bill, and cancelling early means paying the rest. Under CRTC rules, cancelling after two years is free.
5. Know your rights: data charges above your plan are capped at $50 a month and roaming at $100, and you can return the device within 15 days if unhappy with the service, within usage limits.
6. Home internet: compare speed, the price after the promotion, and installation and modem fees. Ask about smaller providers in your area too, and do not buy more speed than you need.

Caution: Prices and offers change every few weeks; check the carrier’s site on the day you buy and read the contract before signing.

Bottom line: Canada has three big carriers with cheaper brands on the same networks. Start without a contract, compare the price after the promotion, and do not sign a long contract before you know your needs.

Last reviewed: 2 October 2026